Our members care about and integrate in the communities where they live. We put community at the heart of everything we do, striving to improve quality of life and the local environment.
Our social purpose
We aim to support the local community through our involvement in neighbourhood initiatives. We partner with a wide range of organisations who align with our social values.
Members volunteer their time and expertise to; ensure the ongoing success of their co-op, set up community based initiatives or offer a helping hand to good causes.
Social Impact
Community and social responsibility is at the heart of everything we do. We contribute to initiatives that benefit local residents, either by volunteering or developing member led schemes. Our members have organised events such as youth drama workshops and weekly food banks, that engage with all parts of the community.
Learn more about the individual projects below
Community initiatives
Foodbank : The Felix Project
A weekly food bank for residents followed by the Warm Hub, a coffee morning with community group, NFC – Neighbours who become friends.
107 weeks to date
24 volunteer hours a week
40 residents supported
Average food bag value = £31
Sustainability: Swish & Swap
Regular events for residents to exchange preloved items. This initiative, supported by developer Bouygues, has been held in local community spaces the Venture Centre and Portobello Hall.
4 events
50+ attendees
36 volunteer hours
3rd space: The Library
The Library is a free resource for families. Hosted in the Friary Park community centre, it was made possible with generous support from residents and the site developer Mount Anvil.
Conceived during the pandemic as a place for children to borrow, donate or swap pre-loved books and toys. It also offers space for parents and children to socialise with a dedicated reading corner & play area.
Creative arts: Renegade Theatre
Recording the oral history of an social housing estate under regeneration.
Social Value
Our short life co-ops can be a lifeline to those struggling with the effects of the cost of living crisis and high rents. By offering genuinely affordable rents, we enable the ‘hidden homeless’ and those denied access to social housing an opportunity to live and work in London. A co-op can empower its members by giving a measure of agency and control when it comes to their housing choices. Big cities can be harsh and lonely places, having a mutual support network is shown to improve health outcomes.
Interested in starting a short life housing co-op?
